​Four sectors make up nearly 74% percent of Dubai’s non-oil GDP. Those sectors are manufacturing, construction, trade and repairing, and services. The services sector makes up the largest percentage of the city’s GDP and can be further broken down into hospitality, transport, storage, real estate and personal and business services. Since 2000, the services industry has also been the fastest growing sector in the city. One of the factors aiding the rise of the service sector is an attempt to improve the city’s e-commerce infrastructure. Both Etisalat and du have introduced secure means of online retail to aid in this developing field.

For businesses opening outside of Dubai’s many free zones, there are several forms of ownership. The form that your company will take depends on your nationality and the services you provide. Non-GCC nationals are restricted to limited liability companies and private joint stock companies, whereas GCC nationals can also own sole proprietorships and public joint stock companies. Keep in mind that non-GCC nationals must have a UAE national partner that controls at least 51% of the company.